Washing apparatus



R. G. LAUGHTER, SR 3,056,153

Oct. 2, 1962 WASHING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 28, 1960 Ralph 6. Laughter, Sr:

IN VENTOR.

BY Mfiq,

Oct. 2, 1962 Filed June 28, 1960 R. G. LAUGHTER, SR

WASHING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ralph 6. Laughter, 81:

INVENTOR.

BY M M finite fates 3,056,153 WASHING APPARATUS Ralph G. Laughter, Sr., P.O. Box 294, East Flat Rock, N.C. Filed June 28, 1960, Ser. No. 39,319 8 Claims. (Cl. 1550) This invention relates to new and useful improvement in washing apparatuses especially, although not necessarily, for drive-in motion picture theatre screens, exterior building walls, etc., particularly the former, and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, novel means whereby such surfaces may be expeditiously and thoroughly cleaned without being damaged and, further, without the workmen ascending the structure.

Another very important object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus of the afore mentioned character which may be readily shifted by workmen standing on the ground to clean the entire area of the screen or other surface to be treated.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a washing apparatus of the character described which is comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, of light weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, showing a washing apparatus embodying the present invention in position for use;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the washing unit;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on the line 33 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view in vertical section through the washing unit, showing the means for slidably mounting the same on the vertical guide cables;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view in vertical section through an upper portion of the washing unit, showing the spraying means; and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view in perspective through a lower corner portion of the washing unit, showing the adjusting means separated therefrom.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that reference character 7 designates generally a conventional outdoor motion picture screen. The embodiment of the present invention which has been illustrated comprises a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower rails 8 and 9, respectively, which are mounted horizontally on the screen 7. Trolleys or carriages 1t) and 11 are operable, respectively, on the upper and lower rails 3 and 9. Guide cables 12 extend vertically between the trolleys 1d and 11. The lower end portions of the guide cables 12 are secured to winches 13 on the trolleys 11 for winding thereon.

Suspended from the upper trolleys 1t) and operable on the guide cables 12 is an adjustable washing unit which is designated generally by reference character 14. The washing unit 14 includes inner and outer rectangular frames 15 and 16, respectively. Hoisting cables 17, operable from the ground, are trained over pulleys 18 provided therefor on the upper trolleys and have one end connected to the outer frame 16.

Mounted in the inner frame is a brush 19 which is rotatable in a vertical plane, said brush including arms 20 which radiate from a hub or the like 21 on one end of a horizontal shaft 22. The shaft 22 is journaled in bearings provided therefor on suitable supports 23 in 3,056,153 Patented Oct. 2, 1962 the frame 15. Also mounted in the frame 15 is a suitable motor 24 which drives the shaft 22 through a belt and pulley connection 25.

Mounted longitudinally on the upper front portion of the outer frame 16 is a manifold or the like 26 having mounted thereon a series of spaced high pressure spray nozzles 27. A hose 28 connects one end of the manifold 26 to the top of a pressurized solution container 29. The container 29 includes an agitator or stirrer which is actuated by an electric motor 30. A hose 31 connects the container 29 to a mobile compressor 32.

The frame 16 is mounted on the vertical guide cables 12 through the medium of eyebolts 33. In the embodi ment shown the eyebolts 33, which are slidable on the cables 12, are adjustably mounted in angle brackets 34 on the corner portions of the frame 16. Nuts 35 are threaded on the eyebolts 33 on opposite sides of the brackets 34 for securing said eyebolts in adjusted sides of the brackets 34 for securing said eyebolts in adjusted position on said brackets. The brackets 34 are mounted for adjustment on plates 36 on the frame 16. The plates 36 are provided with slots 37 which accommodate bolts 38 which adjustably secure the brackets 34 on said plates.

To properly engage the brush 19 with the surface to be cleaned, the frame 15 is mounted for vertical, horizontal and rotary adjustment in the outer frame 16. In the embodiment shown, this is accomplished by means comprising bolts or the like 39. The bolts 39 are threadedly mounted in sleeves or the like 40 which are swivelly mounted on the corner portions of the frame 16. The inner ends of the bolts 39 are connected by universal joints 43 to the end portions of bars 41 which are adjustably mounted on the corner portions of the frame 15.

It is thought that the use or operation of the apparatus will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, the area to be cleaned is flushed with a solution of water and a suitable detergent of the desired strength from the container 29. A valve 42 is provided for controlling the volume and pressure. The rotary brush 19 is then applied in an obvious manner after which the surface is quickly flushed with clear water. Through the medium of the elements 39, 41, etc., the frame 15 may be adjusted in vertical and horizontal planes and rotatably adjusted in the outer frame 16. Also, the brush 19 may be adjusted toward or away from the work. Through the medium of the cables 17 the unit 14- may be raised and lowered as desired. Then, the trolleys or carriages 10 and 11, traveling on the rails 8 and 9 permit lateral shifting of the unit 14.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A theatre screen surface Washing apparatus comprising a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower rails adapted to be mounted on the surface to be cleaned, support means on each rail and movable longitudinally thereon, vertical guide cables extending between said rails and connected to said support means, a vertically adjustable frame suspended by suspension means from the support means on the upper rail and movable on the guide cables between said rails, a rotary brush mounted on said frame between said rails and engageable with said surface.

2. A theatre screen surface washing apparatus comprising a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower rails adapted to be mounted on the surface to be cleaned, vertical guide cables extending between said rails and operable thereon, a vertically adjustable frame suspended by other cables from the upper rail and movable laterally thereon, an inner frame mounted in the first-named frame and adjustable relative to said first-named frame and to said surface, and a rotary brush mounted in said inner frame and engageable with said surface.

3. A theatre screen surface washing apparatus comprising an outer frame, means for mounting said outer frame for vertical and horizontal movement on the screen, fluid spraying means mounted on the top of said outer frame, means for connecting said fluid spraying means to a source of cleaning fluid under pressure, an inner frame mounted in said outer frame and adjustable relative thereto and toward and away from the work, and a rotary brush mounted in said inner frame and engageable with the Work.

4. A theatre screen surface washing apparatus cornprising a pair of vertically spaced, upper and lower rails adapted to be mounted on the surface to be cleaned, pairs of upper and lower trolleys operable on said rails, winches mounted on said lower trolleys, vertical flexible guide cables having one end connected to the upper trolleys and their other end portions secured to said winches for winding thereon, a vertically adjustable frame suspended from the upper trolleys and slidable on the guide cables, solution spraying means mounted on said frame, and a rotary brush mounted on the frame and engageable with said surface.

5. A motion picture theatre screen washing apparatus comprising a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower rails mounted horizontally on the screen, upper trolleys operable on the upper rail, lower trolleys operable on the lower rail, pulleys mounted. on said upper trolleys,

winches mounted on said lower trolleys, vertical guide cables having one end connected to the upper trolleys and their other end portions connected to the winches for winding thereon, a frame mounted for vertical sliding adjustment on the guide cables, hoisting cables trained over the pulleys and connected to the frame for raising and lowering the same on the guide cables, spraying means on the frame for discharging a cleaning fluid on the screen, and a rotary brush in the frame engageable with the screen.

6. A motion picture screen Washing apparatus comprising an outer frame, means for mounting said outer frame for vertical and lateral adjustment on the screen, an inner frame mounted in said outer frame, a horizontal shaft journaled in said inner frame, a brush comprising a hub on one end portion of the shaft and a plurality of arms radiating from said hub and rotatable in a vertical plane and engageable with the screen, a motor mounted in the inner frame, means operatively connectig said motor to the shaft, and means for adjusting the inner frame relative to the outer frame for moving the brush toward or away from the screen.

7. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein said spraying means is mounted above the brush.

8. A device as defined in claim 6 wherein the frame adjusting means includes universal joint means whereby said inner frame may be moved and tilted in any direction in relation to the outer frame for cleaning curved and inclined screens.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 992,905 Robinson May 23, 1911 1,286,076 Olsiewslcy Nov. 26, 1918 2,167,296 Farmer July 25, 1939 ,1. w... -Ww 

